Laboratory/Field Technician - Laboratory

Description

Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity

Final filing date is August 3, 2026 by 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for a Laboratory Technician to join the Environmental Services Department team! The Environmental Services Department provides comprehensive and innovative utility services for Sunnyvale's residents and businesses and facilitates initiatives to achieve the City's sustainability objectives. The Department brings together technical, operational, and administrative professional disciplines to form its dedicated and dynamic team.

The Laboratory Technician works in the laboratory. This job posting is for the laboratory section. In the laboratory, Laboratory/Field Technicians work independently under the supervision of Senior Environmental Chemists primarily collecting and analyzing samples for Sunnyvale's Water Pollution Control Plant and the drinking water system. The laboratory performs a variety of physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological analyses to monitor operations and demonstrate compliance for the City's wastewater, drinking water, and industrial pretreatment programs.

Additionally, the City of Sunnyvale offers:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Retiree medical benefits available

For a complete job description, click here: Laboratory/Field Technician

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The position of Laboratory/Field Technician is a fully qualified journey-level technical classification. The Laboratory/Field Technician is distinguished from the higher-level Environmental Chemist I or Environmental Compliance Inspector by the lower-level analytical techniques used in laboratory analysis, inspection, and regulatory compliance activities.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Collects samples from locations within the Water Pollution Control Plant for operational decisions regarding treatment or process control in accordance with Federal, State and Local requirements.
• Collects samples from drinking water sources within the City's water distribution system for laboratory analysis, ensuring compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements.
• Collects samples from receiving waters in proximity to the Water Pollution Control Plant via boat.
• Performs physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses of potable water, wastewater or industrial waste samples using analytical techniques or instruments in accordance with approved protocols or methods in the field or the laboratory.
• Maintains records of physical, chemical and bacteriological tests performed on samples.
• Reviews logbooks, field data, recordings, and other documentation related to the drinking water system discharges from the Water Pollution Control Plant, and industrial and commercial sites.
• Keeps detailed and accurate records of field activities and observations, using logbooks, laboratory analysis sheets and computerized software programs.
• Performs work assignments in accordance with appropriate safety rules, regulations and, when necessary, emergency procedures.
• Maintains field equipment and vehicles for daily use in the field; operates motor vehicles to access sampling sites for collection of samples.
• Assists laboratory and inspection staff with special assignments, under direction of assigned supervisor.
• Attends staff and professional meetings, training classes and workshops.
• Responds and assists in development of analytical test methods, monitoring techniques and other laboratory/monitoring services.

In addition to the above, if assigned to the Laboratory, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Cleans laboratory equipment and glassware and maintains such in a neat and orderly condition.
• Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments; calibrates and certifies safety equipment for proper usage and keeps detailed records on each piece.
• Prepares reagents, solutions, and media for chemical and bacteriological analyses.
• Participates in quality assurance and quality control programs required to maintain lab certification with Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and certain tools. The position also requires near and far vision when performing tasks such as inspections and repair work, in reading written work-related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag, carry and push equipment, tools and supplies up to 50 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent may be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, loud noise, and inclement weather conditions, such as wet, heat and cold. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

An Associate degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science, AND

Two years of experience performing field technician and/or laboratory duties.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, including courses in chemistry, biology or other related science may be substituted for one year of experience.

Knowledge of:

• Basic chemistry principles and/or basic laboratory testing methods.
• Sampling techniques and chain of custody procedures.
• Basic principles of potable water, wastewater and/or industrial waste pretreatment.
• Field and laboratory safety practices and procedures.
• Recordkeeping techniques.
• Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.

Ability to:

• Collect samples in the field.
• Conduct chemical tests and analysis.
• Use potable water and/or wastewater monitoring equipment.
• Maintain accurate data and keep detailed records.
• Develop precise and detailed statistical information, charts and data files.
• Read and interpret complex technical documents and instructions.
• Safely work with and around wastewater, industrial wastes and hazardous substances and in the immediate vicinity of chemicals and reactive agents used in industrial waste treatment.
• Carry out specific functions in the laboratory.
• Follow instructions and procedures.
• Interpret tests appropriately and convey results clearly.
• Convey technical information to supervisor, professional and field personnel.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, public officials and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Willingness to:

Wear protective clothing and use protective equipment.

Travel to sites within the City to conduct monitoring and sampling programs.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, environmental science or a related field.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by Monday, August 3, 2026, at 5:00pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of August 24 .

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov .

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association (For Full Time Positions) SEA Benefits

Summary of Service Employees International Union, Local 521 (For Part Time Positions)SEIU Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 8/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

City of Sunnyvale

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